The Weeknd’s Grammy Snub: A Familiar Tale of Disregard and Disappointment”

As the Grammy nominations for 2026 are unveiled, the music world is once again engulfed in controversy, with one name at the center of it all: The Weeknd.

Known for his chart-topping hits and innovative sound, The Weeknd has been completely shut out from this year’s nominations, raising eyebrows and igniting discussions about the Recording Academy’s credibility.

This snub feels particularly poignant as it echoes a long-standing pattern of neglect towards one of the most influential artists of our time.

To understand the depth of this latest snub, we must revisit the events of 2021 when The Weeknd released his groundbreaking album After Hours.

Featuring iconic tracks like “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears,” the album dominated the charts and redefined pop and R&B.

Fans and critics alike expected a slew of Grammy nominations, but when the nominations were announced, The Weeknd received nothing—zero nominations for an album that had become a cultural phenomenon.

His reaction was swift and vocal.

He took to Twitter, declaring, “The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans, and the industry transparency.”

This moment marked a significant turning point in his relationship with the Grammys, leading him to boycott the award show altogether and refuse to submit his music for consideration in subsequent years.

It was not merely about losing; it was about being completely overlooked despite his undeniable impact on the music landscape.

In the aftermath of the 2021 backlash, the Recording Academy attempted to address the criticism.

They announced changes to their nomination process, claiming they would eliminate the secret committees that had previously decided nominations behind closed doors.

However, despite these promises, The Weeknd chose to remain distant, refusing to submit his next project, Don FM, as a statement against the Academy’s perceived lack of accountability.

Fast forward to this year, and The Weeknd released Hurry Up Tomorrow, an album that showcases his artistic evolution and maturity.

His team decided to submit this album for consideration, leading many fans to believe that this could finally be the moment of redemption.

Unfortunately, the outcome was dishearteningly familiar: The Weeknd received no nominations once again, leaving fans questioning the Academy’s motives and criteria for recognition.

The repeated snubbing of The Weeknd raises suspicions about whether there is something deeper at play.

Statistically and culturally, his exclusion from the nominations is perplexing.

While it’s debatable whether any album deserves the title of “Album of the Year,” the notion that Hurry Up Tomorrow didn’t even warrant a nomination seems absurd.

This situation reflects a growing sentiment that the Grammys are more interested in controversy than in genuinely celebrating music.

Each year, the Academy finds itself embroiled in discussions about snubs, leading to outrage on social media and calls for reform.

Yet, it seems that the Grammys have become addicted to the very controversy they create, as it fuels their brand more than actual recognition of artistic merit.

The risk here is that they are alienating the very artists who are shaping contemporary music, diminishing their own credibility in the process.

The Weeknd’s snub is emblematic of a larger issue within the Grammy Awards.

Artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyler, the Creator have all voiced their frustrations with the Academy, questioning its relevance and fairness.

The Weeknd’s situation highlights a troubling trend where the Grammys seem to favor certain artists and styles while ignoring groundbreaking work that doesn’t fit their mold.

This latest snub feels particularly painful because it represented a potential reconciliation—a chance for the Grammys to acknowledge their past mistakes and honor an artist they once overlooked.

Instead, they doubled down on their previous errors, leaving fans feeling betrayed once again.

The emotional weight of this situation cannot be understated; it’s not just about awards, but recognition and respect for an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries.

As the music industry evolves, many artists no longer view the Grammys as the pinnacle of success.

The Weeknd has proven that he can thrive without their validation, dominating the charts and selling out stadiums worldwide.

This snub is less a loss for him and more a reflection of the Academy’s failure to adapt and recognize the changing landscape of music.

The irony lies in the fact that the Grammys likely believe they are being objective in their selections.

However, this perception is merely an excuse for their exclusionary practices.

The reality is that the Academy operates like an exclusive club, deciding who is worthy of recognition based on arbitrary criteria rather than the merit of the music itself.

The 2026 Grammy nominations have once again highlighted the disconnect between the Recording Academy and the artists who are truly shaping the music industry.

The Weeknd’s exclusion from the nominations feels like a continuation of a frustrating cycle that has persisted for years.

While the Academy may continue to present itself as the ultimate authority in music recognition, it risks losing its relevance as artists and fans alike move on.

For those who hoped to see The Weeknd finally receive the acknowledgment he deserves, this snub serves as a painful reminder that the Grammys may never truly understand or appreciate the cultural significance of the artists they overlook.

As the music world evolves, it’s clear that the true measure of success lies beyond the confines of any award show, and The Weeknd has already proven that he doesn’t need the Grammys to validate his legacy.